Some players dominate on the field. Others dominate headlines. And then there are those rare NFL stars who seem to have as much talent for talking as they do for throwing touchdowns or making tackles.
Whether it was through endless interviews, fiery tweets, or just good old-fashioned trash talk, these 25 players always had something to say—whether people wanted to hear it or not. Love them or hate them, they kept things entertaining.
25. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler had a permanent look of disinterest but still managed to stir things up with his passive-aggressive comments. He rarely held back when it came to calling out teammates, coaches, or just sounding off about it all.
24. Antonio Brown
AB had Hall of Fame talent and Hall of Fame-level drama. His mouth often moved faster than his feet, and that’s saying something.
23. Eli Apple
Eli Apple talked like he was an All-Pro cornerback, even when he wasn’t close. His chirping always seemed to get him burned—and not just by opposing receivers.
22. Cam Newton
Cam loved to speak his mind, especially when he felt disrespected. Sometimes it came off confident, sometimes a little too defensive.
21. Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey backed up most of his trash talk, but the man never met a mic he didn’t like. He treated every interview like it was a pre-fight press conference.
20. Terrell Suggs
Suggs had a knack for making his pressers feel like roast battles. He was bold, loud, and always had something smart to say—whether it was needed or not.
19. Johnny Manziel
Johnny Football ran his mouth before he ran out of chances. He never passed up an opportunity to hype himself up, even as things were falling apart.
18. JuJu Smith-Schuster
From TikToks to pregame quotes, JuJu always found a way to insert himself into the narrative. Opponents didn’t always love it, but fans couldn’t look away.
17. Chad Ochocinco
Ochocinco was made for the spotlight and made sure everyone knew it. From in-game antics to off-field soundbites, he never turned down a chance to talk.
16. Rex Ryan
Okay, not a player—but the man coached like he wanted to be on the field and in front of every camera. His soundbites were legendary, whether it was Super Bowl promises or strange foot comments.
15. Richard Sherman
Sherman’s postgame rants were as intense as his coverage. He was a master of mixing trash talk with actual intellectual breakdowns.
14. Dez Bryant
Dez wore his heart on his sleeve—and usually let the whole world know what he was thinking. His sideline rants became part of his brand.
13. Philip Rivers
Rivers never cursed, but somehow still talked more trash than most. He was the king of clean yet relentless chirping.
12. Michael Thomas
Can’t guard Mike—but you also couldn’t mute him on social media. When he wasn’t injured, he was online letting people know he hadn’t gone anywhere.
11. Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon liked to drop verses and hot takes. His mouth often worked overtime during contract negotiations and Twitter feuds.
10. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is a wizard with the football and a philosopher with a mic. From vaccine opinions to deep dives on ayahuasca, he never shied away from a headline.
9. DeAngelo Hall
Hall’s mouth often cashed checks his coverage couldn’t. He had the swagger and the quotes, even if the results didn’t always match.
8. Keyshawn Johnson
Just give him the damn ball—and a microphone while you’re at it. Keyshawn was one of the original talk-first, ask-questions-later guys.
7. Baker Mayfield
Baker talked like a 10-year vet before he’d even thrown 10 NFL touchdowns. He backed it up—sometimes—and doubled down when he didn’t.
6. Shannon Sharpe
Before he was a media icon, Shannon was chirping linebackers and lighting up mics. He talked so much that they had to give him a studio show.
5. Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ lived in the spotlight and knew how to stir the pot. From sideline tantrums to cryptic tweets, he always kept people talking.
4. Antonio Cromartie
Cromartie’s trash talk often went viral, even if his coverage didn’t. He had a comment for everything—and everyone.
3. Terrell Owens
TO was a walking soundbite with Hall of Fame skills. From press conferences to driveway workouts, he stayed loud and proud.
Read more: 18 NFL Players Who Never Missed a Chance to Stir the Pot
2. Brett Favre
Favre couldn’t stop talking—or retiring. He kept the league in suspense with his words as much as with his throws.
Read more: 25 NFL Stars Who Thought They Were God’s Gift to Football
1. Tom Brady
Brady saved most of his chirping for behind the scenes, but when he talked, everyone listened. Whether it was trolling teams, firing up teammates, or post-retirement zingers, the GOAT never missed a chance to speak his mind.
Read more: 15 Quarterbacks Who Took Trash Talk to Psychotic Levels
